Optimism might just be back in fashion

Optimism might just be back in fashion

I was astounded to read that almost two billion people watched the wedding of William and Kate on television. Yes, that’s right, a third of the world’s population! I cannot think of another event that has commanded such attention, and I am led to wonder why people of all races and creeds were drawn to the event in such numbers.

Was it because most of us are romantic at heart? Was it the fairy-tale quality? Do we identify with a beautiful commoner becoming a princess? Was it, perhaps, the extraordinary spectacle that only the British, it seems, can turn on?

It is probably all of these things, but there may be another and more significant factor. Perhaps, despite the differences between us, we all identify deeply with what is positive and uplifting, decent, innocent and good. Perhaps we instinctively want more of these qualities in our lives.

I am sure we do. It is so easy in our hectic business lives to become pre-occupied, and borne down by, all the negatives and difficulties. We forget that life, and work in particular, makes no sense if we are not enjoying it. So, perhaps we can listen to the instinct that made us tune in to the royal wedding and remember to bring it to work every day; an instinct that looks for the positive, that seeks enjoyment, and sees goodness in everyone.